Bigger and R&S 3

[mamabeavabjo]

Hi ladies,
My kids are outside coloring the caterpillars with chalk so I have a few minutes to ask this...I'm planning to use Bigger for my 2nd and 3rd graders next year and was looking over the manual today. Do I need to purchase the teacher's gudie for R&S 3 since I'm not using Preparing or is there somewhere else to get the lessons for it? Also, this probably requires a separate post, but if I start both girls in Bigger and find that it's too light (I can tell the spelling and dictation is already way too easy for her) for my older, would it be difficult to bump her up and begin Preparing at some point. Or should I just go ahead and get the guide for Preparing so I have her grammar lessons because I also find that she places into DITHOR in 4/5. Thanks!
Blessings on this glorious day!
Stephanie

[mamabeavabjo]

No caterpillars have been injured (so far) from this activity!

[sahervey]

I'm putting all 3 of my kids in Bigger and have one doing R&S 3. It worked out to do 4 lessons per week (including the reviews).

[Mom2Monkeys]

No caterpillars have been injured (so far) from this activity!

ROFL!!! Sounds like lots of fun! Maybe not for the caterpillars though.

As for R&S 3, you'll want the TM either way. The lessons are just do a lesson a day for about 4 days per week I don't think you'll find Bigger to be too light if you're daughter is within the extension range. Though, you'll of course want to bump up the math and LA. To do that, you could get the TM for Preparing and use the LA/DITHOR schuedule and the next level of dictation for her from there, as well as math if that fits right. Then next year, PHFHG also schedules R&S 4 and already has the next level of dictation she would need if I remember correctly, so you could do PHFHG as-is that year


ETA: I just realized your DD is 8....I REALLY don't think you'll find Bigger too light At all!! And I've done the level 4/5 book pack with the level 2/3 workbook and plans in DITHOR with even my 9yo 4th grader (form 8-9 and 3rd-4th). We've just recently started the 4/5 workbook and plans. It's a great way to start DITHOR.

[dawntx]

You would need to purchase the R&S 3 TM -it includes questions/review everyday that are helpful. It is also extremely helpful for me just to make sure of the correct answers for their written work as well. There were a few times that I was unsure of the answers and I needed to check myself! There are no specific lessons/helps in Preparing TM for R&S 3 it guides you to do 1 lesson a day.
As for purchasing the Preparing TM-yes!- it would give you more challenging dictation exercises to choose from if the ones in Bigger aren't the right level for your dc. I don't think you would need to bump your daughter up to PHearts if combining is what you desire. You can do just as you planned and do the 3Rs on her level for Bigger. It sounds like she does very well!
I taught Bigger last year with my then 4th grader and I'm teaching it this year with my 2nd grader. It is very meaty on its own IMO if you are on the right level with 3Rs. We have really enjoyed it-both times!

Also a suggestion: if your dd is on 4/5 for DIHOR and this is your first year doing it- I might get the 2/3 level workbook and put her on the reading level you desire and let her get used to the wkbook this year. She has plenty of time to grow into the 4/5 book because she is still in 3rd grade.
Others may have some great suggestions too! HTH some!

Dawn

[HollyS]

My DC are the same ages as yours...and I also have 3 girls and 1boy!

We'll be using Bigger next year. I've decided not to buy the Preparing guide. I'll just pencil the R&S 3 pages next to the R&S 2 pages in the guide. That way I can make sure I stay on track throughout the year. I did buy the R&S teacher's guide for level 3 this year and I think it will come in handy. We are adding extra spelling (R&S)...not that I think it needs it, but I need things they can work on independently when I'm busy with my younger ones. I will add in dictation as time allows.

[mamabeavabjo]

Thank you all so much! This information was very helpful since I now know that I need to purchase the R&S 3 Teacher Manual and DITHOR 2/3 Student book. I'm so glad I asked. This forum is so helpful...I just love it!